This is a Central American eco-vacation taken to beautiful and fascinating extremes. You experience rainforests teeming with keel-billed toucans, ocelots, and howler monkeys on great walks with naturalists. Out of those jungles rise imposing Mayan pyramids, like the one at Tikal where you watch the sunrise. At Ambergris Caye, you go snorkeling or kayaking on the world’s second largest barrier reef. Every day, the variety of nature and local culture is truly spectacular, from a soaring walk-in cave (absolutely no spelunking required) to a visit in a small village school to the luxury resorts, deep in the forest or strung along powdery white beaches.

Picture yourself...

Snorkeling or sea kayaking at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Seeing the sun rise from the top of a Mayan pyramid

Spotting emerald toucans, manatees and howler monkeys

Itinerary at a glance

DAYS 1-2 - CAYO RAINFORESTWe meet in Belize City, and head right out into the scenic Cayo Rainforest region. On a welcome nature walk at our riverside lodge, we’re likely to spot emerald toucans, parrots and hummingbirds.

In the morning, we visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and its 130-foot-high pyramid. Then we 4-wheel through the jungle to a picnic near Actun Chapat Cave and explore the high-ceilinged, walk-in cavern.

DAYS 3-4 - TIKALCrossing into Guatemala, we check into a boutique eco-lodge with its own 200-acre nature preserve. Our cottages are close enough to legendary Tikal that we can get there and climb to the top of the western hemisphere’s tallest pyramid in time for sunrise. Later, we’ll visit with weavers to see how they create the colorful guipiles that are part of Guatemala’s national dress. And we’ll boat across a lagoon to an island so we can meet its friendly howler monkey colony.

DAYS 5-7 - AMBERGRIS CAYEA short flight takes us back to Belize and Ambergris Caye at the edge of the world’s second largest barrier reef. Located right on the beach, our luxury resort is the perfect starting point for activities that are all included at no extra cost. Maneuver through the mangroves in a kayak and spot manatees and crocodiles. Stroll in San Pedro, a pretty and very mellow Caribbean village. Snorkel within arm’s reach of sea turtles, docile nurse sharks and rays at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

The climate is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The country has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is nicely tempered by the sea breezes.
Variation in weather features emphasizes the interesting difference in elevation, geology, plant and animal life. A summer high temperature, usually never exceeds 96 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter lows are seldom below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night.
Saltwater temperature varies between 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

Arrange for 6-full paying friends to travel together and receive 25% off one trip.

Hotels

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

Set on a 17-acre private estate along the Macal River. Each of the inn's luxury rooms are furnished with Belizean hardwood and local art. Indulge in a massage at the onsite spa or stroll along one of the property's nature trails.

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

The lush Guatemalan rainforest enfolds this retreat in the heart of Mayan lands. Each waterfront bungalow suite has a private deck built out over Quexil Lagoon. Part of a 200-acre reserve, the hotel invites you to do some lazy tropical living.

Victoria House

White Belizean beach and blue sea are practically at your front door in this award-winning, plantation-style resort. There’s a beachside pool, spa and wonderful restaurants – all less than a mile from the world’s second largest barrier reef.